In city S.
Waking up early, Jinjing accompanied Uncle Chen to the college. The campus was huge, even though not as big as her previous college, it was still very beautiful. This college was the second best college of city S. At this stage of her life, these things did not matter to her anymore. Now, her aim was to complete her course with good grades and then pursue a master's degree.
While she was lost in her future plans, they made their way to the dean's office. In the comfort of her uncle's office, Jinjing filled up all the required forms and submitted it. Within a few hours her admission process was completed.
"uncle, today mom and I will be going over to our house. If everything works as planned, I will start college after two days, that is Wednesday."
"no problem my dear! Take your time." Uncle Chen stayed back at college since it was a working day and he sent Jinjing back with the driver.
Later that day, post lunch, Mama Lee and Jinjing headed to their apartment. Minmin was in school so, could not tag along. With the help of a professional cleaning company, the modest apartment was sparkling clean within no time.
Uncle Chen had provided the ladies with the contact numbers to get the essential services like electricity, internet and cooking gas facilities started. All would be up and running by tomorrow. With no other option, they headed back to Uncle Chen's. at least they got a sizeable amount of work completed today.
Next day, before heading back to city B, Mama Lee helped Jinjing with shopping for the necessary stuff like groceries, toiletries, some utensils and appliances etc.
Satisfied, that her daughter would be fine by herself, Mama Lee hugged Jinjing and said "stay strong and stay positive. You know, we are always there for you. Mama and papa love you a lot." Kissing on her cherished daughter's forehead, Mama Lee bid an emotional goodbye.
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Wednesday morning.
Jinjing woke up early and got ready for her first day to her new college. She prepared a simple breakfast of milk and sandwich. Taking all the essentials along, she headed to college. Her apartment was only a couple of stops away from the college. She had worked out the bus route with Mama Lee.
When she boarded the bus, she missed her bestie, Meili. This was the first time in almost five years that, she was travelling alone to college. Meili always insisted on picking her up and going together. Jinjing closed her eyes briefly and shook her head. Even though, Meili was not at fault in whatever happened, she had to cut her ties with her so as to cut Liang completely off. She did not want any of her news to travel to Liang and vice versa.
She was warmly welcomed in her class by her teacher and all the students, in particular, the male ones. Well somethings never change.
She found herself a vacant seat next to a rather nerdy looking guy. Moving closer, she felt that he gave off a harmless vibe so, she felt relaxed.
The first half of her first day of college consisted of only lectures. During lunch time, Jinjing got her lunch and was looking over for a place to sit. While spanning her eyes over the cafeteria, glimpses of her past flashed before her eyes. Inhaling deeply, she focused on her present and saw that her nerdy desk mate was eating lunch alone in a corner. She thought of joining him and getting to know at least someone at his new place.
"hi! I am Lee Jinjing, your desk mate… remember? Can I join you? There is no place vacant."
Nerdy scanned the place before responding with a dry "hmmm"
Jinjing took the seat opposite him and asked "what's your name?"
"Song Minfeng." Came the precise answer. He literally buried his face into his tray and continued eating without as much as looking at Jinjing.
Jinjing could only sigh and have her lunch. She did not want to force him to interact.
The rest of the day went by smoothly. Similarly, a few weeks passed without any glitches. By now Jinjing grew used to the people and environment of city S.
It was winter, Jinjing had always been fond of this season of the year, for all the festivities it brought along. However, that was not the case this year. Nursing a broken heart coupled with the fact that, this would be the first year she would be away from home on Christmas and new year, made Jinjing feel colder and gloomier.
'I just have to get through these few years of college. Everything will be fine.' She pacified herself to stay strong on the path she had chosen for herself. Loving Liang was her choice, moving to city S was her choice as well and she would live with it.
It was no different for Liang, who vowed to wait for her to return.